Argenis Mendez vs. Art Hovhannisyan Discussed For 10/27

By Jake Donovan

Boxingscene.com has been informed that Argenis Mendez has agreed to terms to face unbeaten Art Hovhannisyan on October 27.

The bout - once (if) finalized - will take place at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. HBO will televise, which serves as a supporting bout to a Boxing After Dark main event between unbeaten welterweight Thomas Dulorme and Luis Carlos Abregu.

Mendez (20-2, 10KO) is coming off of a convincing decision win over Martin Honorio in their Telefutura-televised rematch this past July. The bout guaranteed the Dominican boxer another future rematch in the form of a title shot against Juan Carlos Salgado.

A fight with the aggressive Hovhannisyan is not the type of risk most fighters are willing to take while awaiting another crack at a major title, but the opportunity was too good to turn down.

“The plan is still to get ‘Genis’ in position for a world title, but the exposure that comes with this fight can only be good for his career,” explains Jose Nunez, Mendez’ manager. “My guy gets to stay busy and gets his name out there, while awaiting big plans in the future.”

Hovhannisyan (15-0-2, 8KO) survived a major scare this summer, surviving a mid-fight knockdown to take a split decision over former lightweight titlist Miguel Acosta on ShoBox. The bout aired one night before Mendez’ win over Honorio, though plans for this fight weren’t even on the radar at the time.

The junior lightweight belt - which is still being discussed - will be scheduled for 10 rounds, with no title at stake.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox